During FY 06, 91 companies were provided funding to make 212 vehicles wheelchair accessible and provide training.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Program funds may be used to finance the incremental capital and training costs of complying with DOT's Over- the-Road Bus Accessibility regulation.

Capital projects eligible for funding include adding wheelchair lifts and other accessibility components to new vehicle purchases, and purchasing lifts to retrofit existing vehicles.

Eligible training costs include training in proper operation and maintenance of equipment, boarding assistance, and securement, handling and storage of mobility devices, and sensitivity training.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Private operators of over-the-road buses that provide intercity fixed route bus service, and other providers, including operators of over-the-road buses of local fixed-route service, commuter service, and charter or tour service.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Persons with disabilities.

Credentials/Documentation

Costs are determined in accordance with program guidance in an annual Federal Register Notice soliciting aplications.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

None required.

The program is not covered by E.O.

12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."

Application Procedures

FTA conducts a national solicitation for applications annually. Grant awards will be made on a competitive basis. Applications may be submitted through Grants.Gov. Paper applications are also accepted. An original and two copies must be submitted to the appropriate FTA Regional Office. The over-the-road bus operators should submit their applications to the office in the region in which its headquarters is located. The application should provide information on all items for which the applicant is requesting funding. Applications for FY 07/08 funding were due on November 13, 2007. A solicitation was issued in FY 07 for FY 07/08 funding.

Award Procedures

The announcement of awards is published in a Federal Register Notice. Successful applicants file a grant application with FTA. An FTA grant award obligating Federal funds is reflected in a grant agreement. To access funds, the recipient must execute the grant agreement.

Deadlines

As prescribed in the annual Federal Register Notice soliciting applications. The deadline for FY 07/08 applications was November 13, 2007. Following competitive selection, successful applicants may apply for grant funding throughout the fiscal year.

Authorization

The program is authorized under Section 3038 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), Public Law 105-85 as amended by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), Public Law 109-059, August 10, 2005.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Project selections are announced approximately six months following the application deadline for competitive consideration.

Appeals

Not applicable.

Renewals

Not applicable.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

Federal funds will be provided for up to 90 percent of the eligible costs.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Funds are available for obligation to grantees for 3 fiscal years. Any funds not obligated by FTA by the end of this period will be added to the succeeding year's program allocation.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Final progress report and Financial Status Report upon closing the grant, and annual reports for grants remaining open the end of each Federal fiscal year.

Documentation is required for payment.

Audits

As requested by FTA.

Records

Recipient is required to retain intact, for 3 years following submission of the final expenditure report, pending resolution of audit findings, all grant products, financial records, and supporting documents.

Financial Information

Account Identification

69-1129-0-1-401; 69-8350-0-7-401.

Obigations

(Grants) FY 07 $6,856,849; FY 08 est $10,908,290; and FY 09 est $13,358,290.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$20,000 to $ 180,000. Average: $20,000.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

Federal Register Notices, published annually. Current guidance contained in Federal Register Notice dated February 2, 2006, "Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility Program Grants".

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

See Catalog Appendix for listing of Federal Transit Administration regional offices.

Headquarters Office

Federal Transit Administration, Office of Program Management, Office of Transit Programs, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington DC 20590. Blenda Younger, Program Manager. Telephone: (202) 366-2053.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Current guidance contained in Federal Register Notice dated February 2, 2006, "Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility Program Grants".